Grand Rapids, MI to Akron, OH Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Grand Rapids to Akron typically costs $1,900–$5,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 321 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Grand Rapids to Akron
Moving from Grand Rapids, MI to Akron, OH typically costs $1,900–$5,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 321-mile move from Grand Rapids to Akron, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $2,297 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $2,756 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $3,046 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
Factors that affect moving costs from Grand Rapids to Akron
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Grand Rapids to Akron may only cost $1,200, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,700.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Grand Rapids.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($400–$900), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Akron, OH to Grand Rapids, MI guide.
Best Grand Rapids to Akron movers by type
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Best professional movers from Grand Rapids to Akron
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Grand Rapids to Akron. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best MI→OH movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 84 Michigan moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Akron
Many movers find Akron easier on the wallet than Grand Rapids - roughly 71% less for singles and 42% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,543 for one person in Akron versus $5,333 in Grand Rapids. For a family of four, it's $4,120 compared with $7,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Grand Rapids | Akron | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,900 | $983 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,200 | $1,300 |
| Average home value | $328,256 | $121,327 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $61,971 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,333 | $1,543 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,160 | $4,120 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 6.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.75% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 3.5% |
- Rent is about 43% less expensive in Akron than in Grand Rapids, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 63% cheaper in Akron than in Grand Rapids.
- There's good news: the average income differences between Akron and Grand Rapids are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Akron. The cost of living for a single person there is 71% below that of Grand Rapids.
- A move to Akron can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 42% lower compared to Grand Rapids.
- Akron has a higher unemployment rate than Grand Rapids by about 60%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Akron surpass those in Grand Rapids by 13%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 18% less in Ohio compared to Michigan, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Grand Rapids versus Akron:
| Living Expense | Grand Rapids | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $118.12 | $287.77 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $41.20 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.25 | $4.80 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.46 | $3.10 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.99 | $43.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Grand Rapids than in Akron, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Grand Rapids than in Akron.
- Eggs are less expensive in Grand Rapids than in Akron.
- Bread is more expensive in Grand Rapids than in Akron.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Grand Rapids than in Akron.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Grand Rapids than in Akron.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Grand Rapids than in Akron.
How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Akron
| Grand Rapids | Akron | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,893 | 190,469 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 56 | 48 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 43 |
| Crime index | 44.23 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 55.77 | 50.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Akron's population is within about 5% of Grand Rapids, so they’re very similar in size.
- Akron's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Grand Rapids's score of 6.
- Akron is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
- Akron has a bike-friendliness score of 43 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52.
- Akron's crime rate is lower than Grand Rapids with a score of 5.0 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Akron neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
- Akron is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 50.39 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
- Air quality in Akron is Moderate, and in Grand Rapids it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids to Akron move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Ohio, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Ohio, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Akron. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Akron
With your sights set on Rubber City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Akron.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Highland Square
- Downtown Akron
- Merriman Valley
- North Hill
- Wallhaven
Best neighborhoods for families
- Northwest Akron
- Merriman Valley
- Fairlawn Heights
- Wallhaven
- Highland Square
Things to do in Akron
With your move to Ohio complete, you can dive right into experiencing Akron. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Akron is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Akron Art Museum, Akron Children's Museum, and Nativity Museum and replica of Bethlehem's cave.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Portage Lakes State Park, Cascade Valley Park, and Springfield Lake Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Akron RubberDucks (Baseball-Eastern League)Akron Zips (MAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Akron?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Grand Rapids to Akron. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Grand Rapids.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Akron?
Want to save on your move from Grand Rapids to Akron? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Grand Rapids to Akron take?
The 321-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Akron, OH, takes one to four days. Some Grand Rapids movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Akron.
What kinds of discounts do Grand Rapids movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Grand Rapids, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Grand Rapids?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Grand Rapids provide piano moving services. 4 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.